Cost Estimator

About the role

Tetra Tech is adding experienced Cost Estimators to their Disaster Recovery team to support current and future disaster recovery operations across the United States.

Responsibilities

• Support FEMA Public Assistance and other disaster recovery programs through project scoping, damage assessment, and cost estimating activities.
• Evaluate damaged infrastructure, develop and validate project scopes, prepare cost estimates, and support funding eligibility determinations for public facilities and infrastructure.
• Prepare conceptual, parametric, and detailed bottom-up cost estimates for disaster recovery projects.
• Evaluate project assumptions, quantities, unit costs, and estimating methodologies.
• Apply knowledge of applicable construction standards, codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify cost drivers, scope changes, and factors impacting project eligibility and funding.
• Support Requests for Information (RFIs), technical reviews, appeals support, and other recovery program activities.
• Maintain project records and supporting documentation in accordance with client and program requirements.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in construction estimating, engineering, architecture, construction management, infrastructure planning, or a related discipline.
• Experience developing conceptual, parametric, and detailed cost estimates for infrastructure or facility projects.
• Experience estimating labor, equipment, material, and construction costs.
• Familiarity with modern construction practices, facility assessments, project scope development, and construction inspection activities.
• Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work independently and effectively under changing priorities and demanding schedules.
• Ability and willingness to travel as needed for field assignments.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Infrastructure Management, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Architect (RA), Licensed Contractor, Certified Cost Professional (CCP), Certified Cost Estimator, or similar professional credential.
• Experience using RSMeans, Xactimate, FEMA Cost Estimating Format (CEF), or other industry-standard estimating platforms.
• Knowledge of FEMA Public Assistance regulations, policy, eligibility requirements, and the Public Assistance Program and Policy Guide (PAPPG).
• Previous FEMA experience as a Cost Estimator, Program Delivery Manager, Site Inspector, Hazard Mitigation Specialist, Policy Advisor, or similar disaster recovery role.
• Experience with roads, utilities, drainage systems, site development, vertical construction, or public infrastructure projects.
• Experience supporting disaster recovery, grant-funded infrastructure programs, or public sector capital projects.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to perform field inspections and site visits at disaster-impacted facilities and infrastructure when required by an assignment.
• Ability to travel to client offices, applicant facilities, disaster recovery operation centers, and other project locations as needed.
• Ability to perform computer-based estimating and technical review activities for extended periods during remote or office-based assignments.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors

• Work assignments may be performed remotely, in the field, or through a hybrid arrangement depending on client needs and project requirements.
• Field assignments may take place in disaster-impacted communities and at damaged public facilities or infrastructure sites.
• Work conditions and location may vary by assignment, including active disaster recovery operations and geographically dispersed project teams.